Monday, October 21, 2013

For The Love Of The Weekend Getaway - East Hampton Edition

My husband and I just returned from a week of house and dog sitting for my folks out on Shelter Island. While I have already shared a weekend getaway post on our beloved little island I thought I would do one featuring our neighboring towns - East Hampton. Since John and I both grew on on Long Island and have spent a lot of time in the Hampton's I thought it was worth sharing the best of what to see, eat and do. Even in the off season this village makes a wonderful little getaway. East Hampton is located on the South Fork of Long Island and is by far my favorite Hampton to visit. Below is our picks for making an ultimate weekend trip.

You won't find any big brand hotels in this posh little town. Expect lots of bed and breakfasts or inn's for resting your head. The 1770 House is a favorite of ours as we had our first date there and love to dine there every single time we are home. The upstairs is more of a refined elegant menu and dining room while we usually head downstairs to the more casual Tavern for their famous meatloaf. Just a few weeks ago we sat next to my culinary idol Ina Garten, where I nearly died from excitement and throughout the course of the meal my poor husband got zero attention from me as I was trying to listen to every single thing she ordered or was chatting about with her girlfriend. Sorry again babe, love you!

Another great boutique style hotel is The Maidstone where you will find impeccably decorated rooms oozing lots of high style. This hotel combines craft-fully themed rooms and cottages. Each accommodation has tons of amenities like beach parking passes which is crucial in the summer months. I also adore they are a pet friendly hotel which is always a win in my book.

The village of East Hampton is overflowing with amazing brand name stores like Haute Hippie, Scoop, Elie Tahari, Intermix etc. to satisfy all your shopping desires. This past weekend we had a lot of the streets to ourself which was a welcomed break from the summer's hectic sidewalks. A lot of stores do close for the winter but there is still plenty open through the holidays that make the trip worth visiting.

CittaNuova is a favorite lunch spot of ours where we can indulge in delicious pasta or the most amazing mussels in white wine you have ever tasted. If you happen to resist their gelato counter for dessert I highly recommend a cake donut from Dreesen's which is a few doors down. It's worth every calorie!

A favorite take out or casually dine in place that is far from what you would expect in the Hampton's is Town Line BBQ. This no fuss restaurant is friendly and delicious.

While we weren't at the beaches this weekend, this list is a great help for planning your day in the sun for next years high season where the sandy beaches become a hotspot.

As you exit East Hampton two spots that aren't in the town but are surely worth mentioning for a visit. The first is the beach chic shopping destination {and the only retail location} of Serena & Lily. This store is not only beautiful from the outside but is set up as if you were in someones house browsing their shelves for goodies to buy for yours. I could have spent all day in there, especially since we had the store to ourselves.

Their kid cottage was a chid's paradise. Stuffed with unique toys, art and decor to make one chic playroom or bedroom for your little humans.

Finally, stop byWolffer Estateto sip wine or theirtasty cideron their beautiful veranda which overlooks the vineyards and instantly transports you to the likes of Napa Valley.